Mallard Photo Gallery

Species Spotlight

Meet the Mallard! This quick 2-minute introduction presents all the basic information you need to know about this common North American bird, from identification to foods, nesting behavior, range, and more.

Breeding male

Breeding male has iridescent green head, yellow bill, white collar around neck, brown breast, and a grayish body.

Female

Female is mottled brown, with an orange-and-black bill.

Breeding male

Common on ponds, lakes, and streams. Males have glossy green head, white ring on neck, brown chest, and yellow bill.

Breeding male

In flight, note male's black-and-white tail and blue wing patch bordered by two white bars.

Immature male

A strong flier that can reach speeds of 55 miles per hour.

Female

Feeds in shallow water on aquatic invertebrates and vegetation. Does not dive.

Nonbreeding male

Nonbreeding male is browner, like a female, but retains its black-and-white tail and often shows at least a trace of green on the head.

Nonbreeding male and female

Mallards shed all their flight feathers at the end of the breeding season and are flightless for 3–4 weeks. They are secretive during this vulnerable time, and their body feathers molt into a concealing “eclipse” plumage that can make them hard to identify.

Breeding male and female

Courtship involves many displays, including synchronized head-bobbing and the female swimming toward the male with her head held low in the water.

Female and chick

Newly hatched ducklings are covered in down and ready to leave the nest within 13–16 hours.

Breeding male

At home on the ground as well as in the water.

Breeding males and female

Feeds in shallow water by tipping up to reach submerged vegetation. Does not dive.

Breeding male and female

Most pairs form in the fall or early winter, well before the start of actual breeding.

Breeding male and female

Found in almost any wetland habitat, including marshes, lakes, ponds, roadside ditches, pastures, and rice fields.

Male (hybrid with American Black Duck)

Frequently hybridizes with American Black Duck. Male hybrid has only partial green head and is darker overall than male Mallard.